DNR To Reduce Walleye Fingerling Stocking

BLOOMINGTON — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be cutting back on the number of fingerling walleye it stocks, but maintain its commitment to stocking young fry. The decision comes in response to an analysis of the state’s accelerated walleye stock program over the past 12 years.

Walleye numbers were declining in the late 1990s when the public called for an accelerated stocking program. The accelerated program doubled the number of fingerlings being stocked. Walleye stocking now represents about 10 percent of the division’s budget. Walleye numbers have been flat in recent years.

“It doesn’t look like we really moved the needle with walleye stocking,” said Don Pereira, DNR fisheries chief. He spoke Jan. 5 at the DNR’s annual Roundtable in Bloomington.